Afternoon beauty fix: How to do an easy and on-trend festive look

I love dressing up for the holidays, though I’m not very inventive with my makeup. What’s festive and on-trend, but also easy to do? Not only is a nude face with a cherry-red lip suitable for this time of year, it’s Tom Ford approved—as seen in his recent ad campaigns—so we especially love it. Lipstick with a blue undertone, like the colour of cranberries or merlot, will help teeth look whiter. Pair bright lips with an even base and you have an easy-to-achieve, perfectly polished look. Begin by mixing an oil-free foundation with a drop of your day cream—smooth it on your skin using a sponge or foundation brush, being mindful to blend thoroughly and avoid excess. Follow with a creamy, yellow-tinted concealer, such as Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Fast Fix Concealer ($12, at drug stores) to neutralize dark circles and tiny imperfections—it’s tempting to apply concealer first, but it always works best when you put it over top of foundation. A matte red lipstick, like M.A.C Cosmetics “Russian Red,” ($18, maccosmetics.com), will last longer than its creamy cousin. Apply pigment to the centre of your lips, then use a brush to pull colour to the corners. Blot with a tissue and repeat! A swipe of sparkly gloss over top will make your lips look fuller and bestow them with the festive look you’re going for.

In need of an afternoon beauty pick-me-up? Email us at beautyfix@fashionmagazine.com.